Have you ever tried to reinvent yourself, only to end up more confused than before? Maybe you thought, “Hey, if I just change this one thing about me, everything will be better!” Simon Obert shared a hilarious yet profound story this past weekend about trying to change his name in junior high from Simon to Alex. Yep, he decided his whole identity could shift if he just started answering to a new name. But, spoiler alert: it didn’t work out so well. You can’t really change who you are by changing what others call you—just ask Simon, or rather, “Alex”!
Trying to live by a label that doesn’t fit is like wearing shoes two sizes too small—uncomfortable and just plain awkward. And while our culture may be obsessed with labels, God is all about authenticity. The Bible reminds us in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In other words, don’t squeeze yourself into the world’s mold; let God shape you into who you were meant to be.
Simon’s attempt to go by “Alex” was a bit of an identity crisis. He was trying to be someone his father didn’t name him to be. Sound familiar? We’ve all worn a mask or two, trying to fit in or impress. Maybe you’ve called yourself “not good enough” or “failure” because someone else did. But the truth is, your true identity isn’t something you create or change like a username—it’s given to you by God, the ultimate Name-Giver.
Let’s be honest: life is full of labels. “Nerd,” “jock,” “too loud,” “too quiet.” Sometimes we try to own those labels, wear them like badges. But God isn’t interested in the labels others slap on us. He’s interested in the unique person He created us to be. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” What you believe about yourself can shape your whole life. If you think you’re a mess-up, you’ll live like a mess-up. But if you start to believe you’re loved, chosen, and called by God, everything changes.
Simon’s experience reminded me of a time I tried to reinvent myself by buying a whole new wardrobe. I thought, “New clothes, new me!” But no matter how cool the outfit, I was still the same person inside—just with slightly tighter jeans. We can’t cover up who we really are with a new name, job, or image. We can only be truly transformed when we let God define us.
Here’s a challenge: Take a moment and think about the labels you’ve been carrying. Are they true? Are they helpful? Or are they just weighing you down? Maybe it’s time to let God peel those labels off and remind you of who you really are: His child, loved and accepted.
Closing Prayer: God, sometimes I feel like I need to be someone I’m not to be accepted or loved. Help me to see myself as You see me, without all the labels and false identities. Renew my mind, Lord, and help me live in the freedom of being Your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, you are who God says you are. No label, past mistake, or awkward middle school nickname can change that.
Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.